MILLEPORES Meaning and
Definition
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Millepores refer to a group of colonial marine organisms belonging to the order Hydrocorallinae, commonly known as fire corals. It is important to note that millepores are not true corals but rather hydrozoans, which are invertebrate animals related to jellyfish and sea anemones.
These organisms typically form colonies consisting of numerous interconnected individuals, called zooids, that are embedded in a hard calcium carbonate skeleton. The colonies usually have a branched or encrusting appearance, varying in coloration from yellow to brown and sometimes displaying fluorescent hues. Millepores are generally found in tropical and subtropical marine environments, particularly in coral reefs and rocky areas of the Caribbean Sea and the Indo-Pacific.
The zooids of millepores possess powerful stinging cells called nematocysts, which allow them to capture prey and help protect the colony from potential threats. This defensive mechanism can cause skin irritation or a painful reaction if humans come into contact with the organisms.
Millepores obtain nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with unicellular algae known as zooxanthellae, which live within their tissues. These algae photosynthesize and provide the millepores with essential energy-rich compounds.
In summary, millepores are colonial fire corals that are not true corals but hydrozoans. They form interconnected colonies, exhibit stinging cells for defense, and depend on symbiotic algae for nutrition.
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In geol., a genus and family of branching corals, whose cells or pores are extremely numerous and minute.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MILLEPORES
- nillepores
- killepores
- jillepores
- mullepores
- mjllepores
- mkllepores
- mollepores
- m9llepores
- m8llepores
- miklepores
- miplepores
- miolepores
- milkepores
- milpepores
- miloepores
- millwpores
- millspores
- milldpores
- millrpores
- mill4pores
Etymology of MILLEPORES
The word "millepores" is derived from the Latin term "milleporus", which is a combination of two Latin words: "mille" meaning "a thousand" and "pores" meaning "pores or passages". The term "milleporus" was initially used to describe a type of natural stone or coral that has numerous small pores or holes. Over time, the word evolved and came to refer specifically to the colonial marine organisms, commonly known as fire corals, which have a skeletal structure full of tiny pores.
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